Psalm 85:66Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psalm 85:6); Ephesians 5:1818And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18); 2 Chronicles 7:1414If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14); James 4:88Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8)
Men are anxious for a revival in business. There is a great revival in politics just now. In all departments of life you find that men are very anxious for a revival in the things that concern them most.
If this is legitimate — and it is perfectly right in its place — should not every child of God be praying for and desiring a revival of godliness in the world at the present time? Do we not need a revival of downright honesty, of truthfulness, of uprightness and of temperance? Are there not many who have become alienated from the Church of God and from the house of the Lord, who are forming an attachment to the saloon? Are not our sons being drawn away by hundreds and thousands, so that while you often find the places where God’s Word is preached empty, the liquor shops are crowded every Sunday afternoon and evening? I am sure the saloon-keepers are glad if they can have a revival in their business; they do not object to selling more whisky and beer. Then surely every true Christian ought to desire that men who are in danger of perishing eternally should be saved and rescued.